UAE Visa For Kenyan Nationals

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for travelers from Kenya, attracting visitors for tourism, business, employment, and family reunification. With its modern cities, diverse job opportunities, and rich cultural heritage, the UAE offers a range of visa options tailored to different travel purposes. This guide outlines the types of UAE visas available for Kenyan nationals, the application process, and requirements to help you navigate the process in 2024.

1. Types of UAE Visas Available for Kenyan Nationals

The UAE offers various visa types based on the purpose of travel and length of stay. For Kenyan nationals, the following visa options are most common:

a. Tourist Visa

30-Day Tourist Visa: Single-entry visa that allows Kenyan travelers to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. It’s suitable for short leisure trips.
90-Day Tourist Visa: Available as single-entry or multiple-entry, this visa permits longer stays, ideal for extended vacations or family visits.

b. Visit Visa

Available for either 30 or 90 days, the visit visa is commonly used for family visits or longer leisure stays. This visa can be issued as single or multiple entries, allowing Kenyan travelers to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the visa’s validity.

c. Transit Visa

48-Hour and 96-Hour Transit Visa: This short-term visa is ideal for travelers with layovers in the UAE who wish to explore the country briefly before continuing to their final destination. It is non-extendable.

d. Employment Visa

Issued to Kenyan nationals who have secured a job in the UAE. The visa is sponsored by the employer and permits entry to start working after completing residency visa procedures.

e. Residence Visa

For Kenyans relocating to the UAE for work, study, or as dependents of UAE residents. The residence visa is issued once the applicant has secured sponsorship from a UAE employer, family member, or educational institution.

f. Golden Visa

A long-term residence visa, valid for 5 or 10 years, offered to investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional students. It allows for extended residence without the need for a sponsor.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

2. Requirements for a UAE Visa for Kenyan Nationals

Visa requirements can vary depending on the visa type. However, most UAE visa applications require the following essential documents:

a. General Document Requirements

Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the UAE.
Completed Visa Application Form: Available online or through the visa processing agent.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos with a white background, meeting UAE photo specifications.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host in the UAE.
Return Flight Ticket: Required to demonstrate the intent to leave the UAE before the visa expiration date.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or other proof of funds to cover expenses during the stay.
Travel Insurance: Most short-term visas require travel insurance with coverage for medical emergencies.

b. Additional Requirements for Employment and Residence Visas

Employment Contract: For employment visas, a job offer or signed employment contract from the UAE employer.
Educational Certificates: Authenticated certificates for roles requiring specific qualifications.
Medical Examination: For residence visas, a medical test for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV is required.
Sponsorship Documents: For family or dependent residence visas, proof of relationship with the sponsor is required (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

3. UAE Visa Application Process for Kenyan Nationals

The process of obtaining a UAE visa depends on the type of visa and whether an online or in-person application is required. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

a. Applying for a Tourist or Visit Visa

Choose a Visa Sponsor: Kenyans applying for tourist or visit visas must have a UAE-based sponsor, such as a hotel, airline, travel agency, or resident relative.
Submit Application Online or Through Sponsor: Complete the visa application online or through the sponsor’s portal, depending on the visa category.
Upload Documents and Pay Fees: Attach scanned copies of required documents and pay the visa fee using a secure online payment method.
Receive e-Visa: Tourist and visit visas are usually processed within 2 to 5 business days and are sent electronically.

b. Applying for an Employment Visa

Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a UAE employer, who will act as the visa sponsor.
Labor Approval: The employer applies for work permit approval from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Entry Permit Issuance: Once labor approval is granted, the employer applies for an entry permit, allowing the Kenyan national to enter the UAE and complete residency formalities.
Medical Examination and Emirates ID Application: Upon arrival, the applicant undergoes a medical examination and applies for an Emirates ID.
Residency Visa Stamping: After passing the medical exam, the visa is stamped in the applicant’s passport, granting UAE residency.

c. Applying for a Golden Visa

Eligibility Assessment: Kenyans interested in the Golden Visa must meet eligibility criteria based on their profession, investment, or achievements.
Document Submission: Submit documentation verifying eligibility through the Golden Visa portal or at an authorized center.
Processing and Approval: The Golden Visa application is processed, which may take a few weeks, after which the visa is issued upon approval.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

4. Fees for UAE Visa Application

Visa fees for Kenyan nationals vary based on the visa type and processing speed. Below is a general fee structure:

30-Day Tourist Visa: AED 300 – AED 400 (USD 82 – USD 110)
90-Day Tourist Visa: AED 800 – AED 1,000 (USD 220 – USD 275)
Employment Visa: Typically covered by the employer; costs range from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 (USD 550 – USD 1,370).
Residence Visa: Fees depend on sponsorship and visa duration, usually between AED 1,100 and AED 2,000 (USD 300 – USD 550).
Golden Visa: Fees range from AED 4,000 to AED 5,000 (USD 1,100 – USD 1,370), with higher costs for expedited services.

5. Processing Times for UAE Visa

Processing times vary depending on the visa type:

Tourist and Visit Visas: 2 to 5 business days.
Employment Visas: Typically processed within 1 to 3 weeks.
Golden Visa: Takes longer, usually around 4 to 6 weeks.

Expedited services are available for certain visa types, particularly tourist visas, for an additional fee.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

6. Visa Extension and Renewal Options

For those wishing to extend their stay in the UAE beyond the original visa duration, there are several extension and renewal options:

Tourist and Visit Visa Extensions: Tourists and visitors can extend their stay by an additional 30 days, up to two times. The extension fee is approximately AED 600 (USD 165) per extension.
Employment and Residence Visa Renewal: Renewals are handled by the sponsor, with renewal fees varying depending on the visa type and length of stay.
Golden Visa Renewal: Renewable every 5 or 10 years based on the visa category, with renewal fees typically lower than the initial application cost.

7. Where to Apply for a UAE Visa for Kenyan Nationals

For tourist and visit visas, Kenyans can apply online through the UAE immigration website or consult a travel agency. Employment visas are handled by the employer, while residence visas for dependents require a resident sponsor in the UAE.

If applying for a Golden Visa, applicants should use the official Golden Visa portal or visit an authorized UAE government center.

8. Additional Tips and Considerations for Kenyan Nationals

Stay Updated on Travel Regulations: Check the latest UAE travel regulations, especially COVID-19 protocols, which may affect entry requirements.
Plan Ahead for Employment: Kenyans considering employment in the UAE should verify job offers, research employers, and ensure they have the necessary qualifications for the desired role.
Visa Status Checks: The UAE government provides online portals for tracking visa status, including approvals and entry permits, to help applicants stay informed about their application progress.

For more information, you can speak to Happy Face

For Kenyan nationals looking to explore travel, work, or residency opportunities in the UAE, understanding visa options, requirements, and application processes is essential. The UAE offers various visa types that cater to different needs, whether for short visits or long-term residence. By familiarizing yourself with the requirements and following the correct procedures, Kenyan applicants can ensure a smooth and successful visa application experience.

It’s also wise to consult the official UAE immigration website or contact a trusted visa agent to stay updated on any changes to visa regulations and ensure compliance throughout the process.